<p>I am in a family of four: parents and younger sibling. My family combined makes under $30,000 a year.</p>
<p>My FAFSA EFC was only 446. And I have been doing some research: apparently the CSS application that you need for USC asks for a lot more depth, like home equity.</p>
<p>So my question is, if we make less than $30,000 per year, does USC REALLY expect us to be able to take out $30,000 out of home equity each year so I can go there? </p>
<p>Or is home equity irrelevant if your income is already low?</p>
<p>Anybody know if I can get tuition fees waived with an income like this? Can anybody give me an estimate, by any chance, of what is possible with this low income figure?</p>
<p>Thank you very very much. I sincerely appreciate it, and I hope to be a part of the Trojan family next year guys!</p>
<p>No, USC (and other universities) will not expect you to use "all" of your parents' home equity to pay for college. If your parents have significant home equity (above the asset protection allowances) a percentage (I am not sure of the %, but I think it is about 6%) of the equity will probably be included as a resource. No one here can give you an estimate of your financial aid, because we don't know all of your information. Your EFC for USC may be somewhat more than the figure given for the FAFSA, but it would not likely be $30,000 more!</p>
<p>USC was very generous with our family, and we have home equity. *Submit all your forms (FAFSA, CSS/Profile, copies of tax returns, and GPA form for Cal Grant if you are a CA resident) as SOON as possible (don't wait until you are admitted). *</p>
<p>Our experience with financial aid is the package (for a first-year student with USC-determined need) is likely to include your EFC (to be paid in cash or with PLUS loans), about $5,500 in subsidized loans, $2,500 in work/study, and grants for the rest of the need. An unsubsidized student loan of $2,000 is usually also offered to help with the EFC (if any) and/or a computer. PLUS loans are offered to parents to assist them in paying their EFC.</p>
<p>GOOD LUCK (and I'm hoping you join the Trojan family, too!)</p>
<p>with that EFC I think USC may cover your entire tuition and then some.
If your sibling went to college then it DEFINITELY will cover your tuition entirely. I've got mine covered. But expect to take out some loans, probably around 5000-7000 especially if you are planning on living around campus.</p>